I’m John Melonakos.

I build primarily at Intel, working on AI libraries, including KernelFoundry, oneAPI, and the UXL Foundation. I’m interested in how technology can expand what people can build and make possible together.

I also work on ArrayFire, focused on technical computing, and We the Users—an effort to build an internet that respects our privacy, our agency, and the value we create together.

The rest of the picture

I’m a father of six. Faith, family, and personal growth are part of this writing alongside startups and technology.

This blog began with a simple idea: while luck can affect outcomes, success is not only luck driven. Over time, the questions grew beyond business. In 2020, I wrote about making room for the rest of life. In 2024, I shared my rebaptism.

Building our luck through trials of faith

I believe faith shapes how we respond to the things we cannot control. Trusting God, seeking help, keeping commitments, and serving one another can open possibilities we could not see at the beginning.

That is the purpose of Not Only Luck: to explore how we build our luck through trials of faith. The growth may come slowly. Sometimes the next step is simply accepting help or trying again.

My writing follows that question through entrepreneurship, technology, family, and my own journey of faith. The older essays preserve where I was at the time; together they show a life still being shaped.

If you’re curious about me, start with the writing. For the shorter thoughts and ongoing conversations, I’m @melonakos on X.

All content here is my personal work and is not attributable to any company.